Shutters and security

Security glazing

Security glazing is laminated glass made with tough interlayers and classified to BS EN 356 for its resistance to manual attack. Classes P1A to P5A are tested with a falling steel ball, and P6B to P8B with an axe. When struck, the pane cracks but stays in the frame.

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Laminated security glass holding after an impact

When is this the right choice?

Security glazing suits jewellers, phone shops, off-licences, pharmacies, cash offices and any frontage that has suffered smash-and-grab attacks. It also suits places where a shutter is refused or unwanted, because the display stays visible all the time. It slows an attacker and does not make a shop impossible to enter, so the frame, fixings and locks must be strong enough to match.

What are the options?

P2A laminatedA common starting point, such as 6.8 mm laminated, for lower-risk display and door panels.

P4A laminatedA thicker interlayer gives more resistance to thrown objects and blows. Panes of 11.5 mm are a common shopfront build-up.

P6B to P8B anti-bandit glassAxe-tested glass for higher-risk retail, where an attacker may try to cut a way through.

Laminated double-glazed unitsA security pane can form part of a sealed unit, combining attack resistance with heat retention.

Security filmRetrofit film can help hold broken glass together, but it is not the same as a pane rated to BS EN 356.

How much does security glazing cost?

Security glazing usually costs £180 to £420 ex VAT per m² of glass, supplied and fitted. The BS EN 356 class is the main factor, followed by pane size, weight and whether the glass forms part of a sealed unit. Heavier panes may need stronger frames or extra people to lift them. We confirm glazing depth and frame strength before giving a written quote.

Guide prices exclude VAT. Your written quote is fixed after survey.

What is the specification?

Security class	BS EN 356: P1A to P5A ball drop, P6B to P8B axe
Laminated glass standard	BS EN 14449
Common build-ups	6.8 mm (P2A) and 11.5 mm (P4A), thicker for axe-rated classes
Impact class	BS EN 12600, typically 1(B)1 on these laminates
Frame	Deep glazing rebate and secure beads, so the pane cannot be pushed out
Typical lead time	1 to 3 weeks for common sizes (typical range), longer for higher classes

How does the job run?

Assess the risk
We talk through what has happened before, the stock on display and any insurer requirement.
Check the frame
Glazing depth, bead type and frame strength are checked against the weight of the chosen pane.
Order the glass
Panes are made to size in the agreed BS EN 356 class, with the class recorded on the order.
Glaze and secure
The old pane comes out, the new pane is set on the correct packers, and beads are secured from the inside where possible.

Common questions

What does P4A or P6B mean on security glass?

They are classes from BS EN 356. P1A to P5A are tested by dropping a steel ball on the glass, and P6B to P8B by axe strikes. A higher number means more resistance, and the B classes are aimed at sustained attack, not a single blow.

Will security glass fit my existing frame?

Sometimes. Thicker laminated glass needs a deeper glazing pocket, and its weight may be too much for older beads or hinges. We measure the frame first and confirm whether the pane, the beads and the fixings can carry it, or whether the frame must change.

Is security glass the same as toughened glass?

No. Toughened glass resists impact but breaks into small pieces when it fails, leaving the opening clear. Security glazing is laminated, so it cracks and stays in place, which keeps an attacker out for longer. Some products combine toughened and laminated layers.

Do I need security glass if I have a shutter?

Not always. An external shutter protects the glass when the shop is closed, but not during trading hours. If you face a risk of daytime attack, or a shutter is not allowed, security glazing covers that gap. Your insurer may also have a view.

Which materials go with this?

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